Stephanie - Raw Materials Buyer

What is your role and responsibilities at MAT Foundry Group?

Raw Materials Buyer

Managing the purchase and supply of Ferrous and Nonferrous alloys across site, as well as PPE, office consumables, tooling and small tools
Maintaining records of supplier contracts, approvals, goods ordered/received
Managing relationship with suppliers for onsite services
Managing departmental spend ensuring budgets are met
Collaboration with suppliers to resolve problems affecting quality of goods
Implementation and management of supplier on time delivery
Negotiating price and terms of products with suppliers

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

I never really intended to pursue a career within engineering, after I had finished my A-Levels I worked for a printing company as an administrator. However, once there I quickly became very intrigued by the sheer volume of the machines, how they worked, how they were maintained and all the parts that went into them.

After leaving this company it became very apparent to me that this was the industry that I wanted to stay in. I really enjoyed learning about all the intricacies of parts, equipment and how things were made. From the vast sized machinery of printing presses, I also worked for a small company that dealt with the oil and gas industry with very small piece parts and manufacturing. I was heavily involved with the engineering team in sourcing new parts, solving production issues, reading CAD drawings etc.

Were many of your friends growing up interested in seeking a similar career to yourself?

Like me a lot of my friends didn’t really know what or where they wanted to be growing up, however when I finished my A-Levels, a lot of my friends perused University, I already knew this wasn’t something I wanted to do and when I did start working I found I enjoyed the area of engineering and wanted to stay in this industry.

Do you think there are enough female role models in engineering?

Not in the slightest, I think there should be more and as time goes on I think there will be as schools and colleges home in on this area and try to encourage females to peruse careers within this industry.

Were many of your friends growing up interested in seeking a similar career to yourself?

Like me a lot of my friends didn’t really know what or where they wanted to be growing up, however when I finished my A-Levels, a lot of my friends perused University, I already knew this wasn’t something I wanted to do and when I did start working I found I enjoyed the area of engineering and wanted to stay in this industry.

Do you think there are enough female role models in engineering?

Not in the slightest, I think there should be more and as time goes on I think there will be as schools and colleges home in on this area and try to encourage females to peruse careers within this industry.

How do you think schools, colleges and universities can promote engineering to make it more attractive to women?

I think there needs to be more role models within the industry which would encourage women to join them. Schools and colleges could offer female speakers, apprenticeships, work experience days. They should aim courses at both sexes and encourage both equally. I believe there is a stigma attached to engineering as a whole and that this should just be a male role.

What do you think the reasons are for the low employment levels for women in engineering roles?

I don’t know this for fact but certainly at my time of leaving school Engineering was seen as more of a male career. I think that companies are more ‘geared’ up for the male employee, weather this be environment or changing facilities and so now it is very difficult for females to get into such an industry.

What attributes do you feel are required to make a career in engineering?

I think you need to be a confident individual who isn’t afraid to assert themselves. Be curious in nature by wanting to know how things work, understanding how they work and making improvements to aid in either ease of manufacture or saving of costs.

Have good communication skills and be able to communicate ideas in an effective manner. Think fast when problems arise and not be afraid to make decisions. Work well in a team that may have strong personalities. Above all maintain a keen interest in always wanting to learn weather this be, skills, knowledge or technology.

What would you say to any young women thinking of making a career in engineering?

Show confidence in what you do, even if you feel that you don’t, confidence can go a long way in demonstrating you know what you are doing. Ignore the fact that it will be a male dominated environment, don’t be scared to stand up for what you believe, don’t be belittled or intimidated.

What are your career goals moving forward?

Professional development is something that’s really important to me since I hope to take on managerial responsibilities in the future

What is the best thing about working at MAT Foundry Group?

The personnel within the company really make a difference to working life, it is a fun environment to work in, whilst still maintaining and adopting a professional business nature. I think it is important to have good working relationships with colleagues as this enables you to get the best out of people who work well together. I also like the working hours which enable you to finish early on a Friday.